Recent content by SKNerissa

This looks like the right one, thanks!

The genetic test by Embark is for the PIGN variant seen in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. This is a different gene than the one that causes the condition in shelties. For my boy episodes are definitely triggered by his allergies including wheat.

My boy was diagnosed based on video of the episodes and the fact that he remains responsive during episodes (so will follow directions).

Thanks, I'll give this a try!

It's a pretty recently recognized movement disorder that is often mistaken for seizures. Here is the concensus statement from 2021 on the classification of Paroxysmal Dyskinesias and related conditions: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.16108

I hope this is the right category to post in. I am wondering, has anyone in Canada had genetic testing done for Paroxysmal Dyskinesia in shelties? If so, which variant(s) were tested and how did you go about getting the testing done? I understand that the PCK2 gene is of particular importance...

I'm worried about Riley. A few days ago he started sneezing out of the blue whenever we go outside or he gets excited. No other obvious signs of illness. No nasal discharge. No reverse sneezing. Just repetitive sneezing - mainly within seconds of going outside. I took him to the vet on Friday...

It took us a few tries to find one that my dog and I liked but now he goes every 4-6 weeks. In my experience human chiropractors that expand to treating animals are better at going by what they feel. The DVMs we saw kept relying on signs of pain/stress to determine if they were in the right...

Congratulations on this new adventure! You likely already know this but do keep in mind that any natural behaviours will have to be put on cue and shaped to be considered a trained task. This is important because a dog's task(s) or job(s) must be individually trained in order for it to be a...

Perhaps look into getting a KLIMB. They are a bit pricy but really adjustable in height and can be used on angles to also work on conditioning, proprioception, and confidence. They are also portable so it would be easy to work with it in different environments (since dogs don't generalize well)...

Yes, unfortunatly they are the same and come with all the same risks. Steroids are basically synthetic versions of natural cortisol which has the same effects at higher levels (which are required for a therapeutic effect). My boy hasn't responded to antihistamines or Apoquel. Actually, the...

I won't trust the Kurgo harnesses ever again. I only found out it fail independent crash testing after the one we had the webbing tear on ours when I stopped short one day. My sheltie was okay in the end but needed a few chiro appointments. I would have hated to find out what would have happened...

Honestly, all the steroids are pretty horrible. I speak from experience with a previous dog and from personal experience with having been on steroids myself. Unlike other medications, side effects of systemic steroids (oral or injection) are certain to occur with long term / regular use and...

I would recommend reviewing the Center for Pet Safety's review of the Ruff Tough Kennel as both models tested failed to meet crash testing standards: http://www.centerforpetsafety.org/test-results/crates/2015-crate-study-results/#RuffTough I would encourage anyone considering the use of wire...

I have both the Clickit Terrain and Clickit Sport Sleepypod harnesses. As you say, they aren't the most comfortable harness but they do the job of keeping the dog safe and Sleepypod does stand by thier policy of replacing a harness that gets into an accident (as we found out after spinning out...